NYC state of emergency declared as coastal storm threatens flooding: “FLOOD WARNING”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday for eight counties as a coastal storm brings strong winds, heavy rain, dangerous surf and coastal flooding to parts of the state.
The state of emergency covers the Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester counties. The storm is expected to continue through Sunday, with the worst conditions forecast from Friday night through Sunday morning.
New Yorkers are urged to avoid boating, swimming and other water recreation, as well as beaches and rock jetties, because of dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents.
Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, potentially bringing down trees and power lines and causing power outages.State officials said 5,675 workers are available statewide to assist with storm response, restoration and repairs, including 175 overhead mutual-aid contractors secured by Con Edison. Crews also have been positioned to clear debris from downed trees.
A Wind Advisory and Coastal Flood Warning remain in effect Saturday morning on Staten Island as an early-season nor’easter brings a prolonged period of strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding through the area this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
The Wind Advisory runs until 6 a.m. Sunday, with sustained winds as high as 30-35 mph and gusts of 45-55 mph expected in coastal areas, the NWS reports.
Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are expected across the New York City area through Sunday, with some uncertainty about whether heavier bands could push into the metro area with locally higher amounts. While isolated flash flooding is not a major concern, since rain rates should stay below half an inch per hour, areal and poor drainage flooding are likely, according to the National Weather Service.
Bands of light to moderate rain will persist into Sunday night as the weakening storm lingers nearby or just south of the region. Rain should taper off from southwest to northeast on Monday, with dry conditions returning by late Monday night. High surf and a high risk of rip currents will continue along ocean shorelines through at least Sunday, though this hazard is more pronounced for areas outside Staten Island.
